KerikeriThings to do

Things to do in Kerikeri

  1. A

    Pear Tree

    Lovely views of the basin from this homestead are this restaurant’s big drawcard, ably matched by the food.

    reviewed

  2. Aroha Island Ecological Centre

    Aroha Island Ecological Centre is located on a tiny 5-hectare island, 10km northeast of Kerikeri, reached via a permanent causeway through mangroves. The island provides a haven for the North Island brown kiwi and other native birds, as well as an excellent picnic spot for their nonfeathered admirers. There’s a visitor centre, and kayaks can be rented ($25 for four hours).

    reviewed

  3. B

    Stone Store

    The Stone Store, next to the Mission House, is the oldest stone building in NZ (1836). It sells interesting gifts as well as the type of goods that used to be sold in the store – although these days you’ll have a hard time bartering pigs for muskets. Tours ($10) of the Mission House depart from here and include entry to the displays on the 1st floor of the store.

    reviewed

  4. C

    Mission House

    The Mission House is the country’s oldest wooden building (1822) and contains some original fittings and chattels.

    reviewed

  5. Ake Ake

    Has a swanky restaurant (lunch $14 to $26, dinner $26 to $31; open lunch Tuesday to Sunday, dinner Tuesday to Saturday), a pétanque court, and offers vineyard tours ($5, 11.30am Saturday and Sunday) and tastings ($3, free if dining).

    reviewed

  6. D

    Rewa’s Village

    If you had a hard time imagining the pa in its original state, take the footbridge across the river to Rewa’s Village, a fascinating mock-up of a traditional Maori fishing village.

    reviewed

  7. Total Tours

    Total Tours has full-day food, wine and craft tours ($99), half-day wine tours ($75) and evening Wine & Dine tours ($120), departing from Paihia’s Maritime Building.

    reviewed

  8. Makana Confections

    If you’re a recovering sugar junkie, you may need to drive into town with your eyes closed to avoid the boutique chocolate factory Makana Confections.

    reviewed

  9. Get Fudged

    If you’re a recovering sugar junkie, you may need to drive into town with your eyes closed to avoid the boutique chocolate factory Get Fudged.

    reviewed

  10. E

    Bay of Islands Farmers Market

    The Bay of Islands Farmers Market is a good place to sample a range of what the region has to offer, from sausages to limoncello.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. Cafe Blue

    It may be on the main road into town but this garden cafe is a peaceful oasis, serving sandwiches, salads, renowned Cornish pasties and sub-$20 grills.

    reviewed

  13. F

    Cafe Zest

    Bathed in Kerikeri’s orange glow, cute little Zest serves up a tempting array of counter food with plenty of vegetarian options.

    reviewed

  14. G

    Fishbone

    Stylish Fishbone does a great coffee and serves imaginative food; Dr Seuss fans should try the green (pesto) eggs and ham.

    reviewed

  15. H

    Rocksalt

    The most popular nightspot in town, this smart bar has a beer garden and an orange-neon radiance.

    reviewed

  16. I

    Black Olive

    Call in for popular pasta and pizza takeaways, or grab a seat in the restaurant or garden.

    reviewed

  17. J

    Cathay Cinema

    Treat yourself to a movie at this cute local cinema. There are dinner deals available.

    reviewed

  18. Marsden Estate Winery

    Offers meals and platters on its deck.

    reviewed

  19. Cottle Hill Winery

    Tastings $5; free with purchase.

    reviewed

  20. Rainbow Falls

    Starting from the neighbouring scenic reserve the 4km-long Kerikeri Walkway leads to the 27m xxx, passing by the Wharepoke Falls and the Fairy Pools. Alternatively, you can reach the Rainbow Falls from Rainbow Falls Rd, in which case it’s only a 10-minute walk.

    reviewed

  21. Advertisement

  22. Kerikeri Basin

    A snapshot of early Maori and Pakeha interaction is offered by a cluster of historic sites centred on this picturesque river basin. In 1819 the powerful Ngapuhi chief Hongi Hika allowed Rev Samuel Marsden to start a mission under the shadow of his Kororipo Pa.

    reviewed

  23. Aroha Island

    Kip among the kiwi on the eco island of love (aroha). There’s a wide range of reasonably priced options, from the peaceful campsites by the shelly beach to an extremely comfortable lodge gazing over the water.

    reviewed

  24. K

    Cafe Jerusalem

    Northland’s best falafels, served with a smile and a social vibe.

    reviewed